Florida Reef Tract Coral Disease Outbreak

Posted Tuesday August 28, 2018 by Reef Relief

Florida Reef Tract Coral Disease Outbreak Scientists, policy makers, and the public are responding to a disease event affecting the continental United States’ only living barrier reef.

Florida’s coral reefs are experiencing a multi-year outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease. While disease outbreaks are not uncommon, this event is unique due to its large geographic range, extended duration, rapid progression, high rates of mortality and the number of species affected. The disease is thought to be caused by bacteria and can be transmitted to other corals through direct contact and water circulation. Researchers are working to identify potential pathogens and relationships with environmental factors, strategies to treat diseased colonies, and identify genotypes of corals that are resistant to the disease.